Pattaya tourism operators wary of extended nightlife hours proposal
Pattaya’s tourism operators are expressing apprehension about a proposal to extend the operating hours of nighttime venues along Beach Road until 4am. The concerns primarily revolve around potential noise pollution, compromised safety, and possible damage to the city’s reputation.
Recently elected president of the Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF), Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, has offered a nuanced perspective on the matter. Although he does not oppose the concept of 4am operating hours in principle, he advocates for it to be selectively applied.
In his view, establishments on Walking Street, a recognised nightlife hotspot in Pattaya, should be the ones to benefit from the extended hours. The reason behind this is the area’s mixed-use, comprising both family-friendly businesses and residential zones.
From December 15, the Thai government will allow entertainment venues in five key tourism destinations – Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Pattaya – to remain open until 4am, in an endeavour to invigorate the economy. However, the suggestion of including Beach Road as another entertainment district has given rise to concerns.
The worry is that the extended nightlife hours could negatively affect the inhabitants of the nearby apartments and hotels, reported The Pattaya News.
Thanet raised the issue of Beach Road’s reputation as well. The area is already allegedly linked to the sex industry, and he fears that its reputation may worsen. He stressed that not all tourists are in search of nightlife or intending to visit the city’s red-light district, with an increasing trend of family-oriented tourism.
health and wellness
Thanet said this view is reportedly echoed by tour operators from Russia and Taiwan who believe Pattaya’s nightlife and sex industry reputation could deter family travellers.
“Tourism operators should be prepared for changes. Admittedly, some tourists still seek nightlife entertainment when choosing Pattaya as their destination, but this group is gradually dwindling.
Thanet believes Pattaya should shift its focus towards attracting high-spending tourists by promoting health and wellness tourism opportunities.
Hotels in Na Jomtien have been pinpointed as having a distinct edge over those in central Pattaya, owing to their beachfront locations and proximity to U-Tapao International Airport. Thanet also suggests that local airlines could explore other routes with more opportunities, given that tourists often combine trips to Pattaya with Bangkok or other provinces and prefer to use airports in Bangkok.
In the meantime, the Thai Cabinet has officially sanctioned extended operating hours for restaurants and entertainment venues in select areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui as of yesterday. The regulation is set to come into effect in December, aligning with the peak tourist season.
